One of Burlington's busiest, high-turnover garages will no longer offer a two-hour free parking option.
The city's Public Works Commission unanimously approved last week a new parking pay structure for downtown garages that eliminates the first two hours free at the Marketplace garage.
The College Street and Lakeview garages will continue the two-hour free parking window.
The changes take effect July 1.
"Two hours free, that’s been here for 25 years, so that change will be noticed — there is no doubt,” interim assistant director for parking and traffic Jeff Padgett said during his proposal pitch to the Commission. “But we’ve talked to the business community and they are OK with that.”
Padgett said an updated policy was needed due to the reduction of the tax assessment of the Downtown Improvement District, which was created as a funding source for the two-hour free parking option. And the Marketplace garage's high demand and full capacity most days of the week didn't yield enough revenue — 80% of transactions at the garage were less than two hours, Padgett wrote in his proposal.
Padgett said he's coordinating with business owners to start a merchant validation program for restaurant and retail employees to park for free at the College Street and Lakeview garages. Limited free parking validation for merchants to hand out to customers is another potential perk being considered, Padgett said.
The rate changes could yield an additional $300,000, or potentially even more, in revenue, Padgett said, helping to offset losses from the impact of COVID-19.
The rate structure:
Marketplace garage
- 1 hour: $1
- 2 hours: $2
- 2.5 hours: $3
- 3 hours: $4
- 3.5 hours: $5
- 4 hours: $6
- 5 hours: $7
- 6 hours: $8
- 7 hours: $9
- 8 hours: $10
College, Lakeview garages
- 1 hour: Free
- 2 hours: Free
- 2.5 hours: $2
- 3 hours: $3
- 3.5 hours: $4
- 4 hours: $4
- 5 hours: $5
- 6 hours: $6
- 7 hours: $7
- 8 hours: $8
Free parking on city streets and garages remains in effect for Sundays and select holidays.
Contact Alex Abrami at 660-1848 or aabrami@freepressmedia.com. Follow him on Twitter: @aabrami5.
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